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It's Not A Haiku!!!

It's A Senryū

By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred Published 3 years ago 1 min read

Introduction

Vocal had two recent Haiku Challenges, but I don't think one of the winners was a Haiku , I think almost every one was a Senryū.

Up til very recently I thought a Haiku was just a Japanese poem with seventeen syllables in a 5-7-5 line form, until a photographer friend Lee Sei-Macfhearchair

told me what I had written was Senryū, not Haiku

Here are the definitions with example poems:

Haiku:

A type of short-form poetry originally from Japan. Traditional Japanese haiku consist of three phrases that contain a kireji, or "cutting word",17 on (phonetic units similar to syllables) in a 5, 7, 5 pattern, and a kigo, or seasonal reference. Similar poems that do not adhere to these rules are generally classified as senryū.

Winter Is Leaving

Spring Is Now Coming Our Way

And Flowers Will Bloom

Senryū:

A Japanese form of short poetry similar to haiku in construction: three lines with 17 morae (or on, often translated as syllables). Senryū tend to be about human foibles while haiku tend to be about nature, and senryū are often cynical or darkly humorous while haiku are more serious.

Unlike haiku, senryū do not include a kireji (cutting word), and do not generally include a kigo, or season word.

Not A Haiku

No Kigo, No Kireji

Haiku It's Not

Conclusion

I know people will say I'm being pedantic but even Dr John Coope Clarke didn't get it right with his Haiku

surreal poetryslam poetry

About the Creator

Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred

A Weaver of Tales and Poetry

Backup A/C

7 ֎ Fb ֎

In ֎ YT ֎ § ֎ BS

Glittering Fox Book

Vocal Ideas For You

Join & Share In VSS

Creationati

Call Me LesGina HeatherCaroline

DharAnnie

Misty MelissaMa Coombs

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Comments (6)

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  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarran3 years ago

    I think I'll be more comfortable writing a Senryu than a Haiku, lol!

  • J. S. Wade3 years ago

    More Anarchy! Love it 🥰

  • Made in DNA3 years ago

    I really have to agree with you. But I'm past caring as I gave up on Vocal. I'm just letting my sub expire this summer and I'll continue to coast, as I have been doing for the last... decade here. The original "OMNI Reboot" was a much better site.

  • Madoka Mori3 years ago

    If you want to get REALLY pedantic the first one isn't a haiku either, since the 'm' at the end of "bloom" would count as one on... maybe? :D I've seen people refer to the "cutting word" before but have never seen anyone define it. What does it actually mean?

  • Babs Iverson3 years ago

    Excellent and impressive information!!! Loving it!!!💕💖😊

  • Dana Stewart3 years ago

    Very interesting, Mike. I want to read more about Senryū. I did love both haiku winners, and enjoyed reading soooo many submissions.

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